Awning comprising an integrated spraying installation

ABSTRACT

Awning of the type that is to be mounted on or in a facade or a wall of a building or on a vehicle, comprising a frame and sunshade means in the form of a screen which, in mounted condition, is movable with respect to the facade or wall. With the frame a spraying installation is integrated for dispersing a spray from the frame. The spraying installation comprises at least one nozzle mounted in the frame for dispersing the spray mainly under the screen. Furthermore, impeller means may be provided for effecting an improved dispersion of the spray.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, to NetherlandsPatent Application No. 1032970, filed Nov. 30, 2006, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to awnings and, more specifically, to anawning of the type that is to be mounted on or in a facade or a wall ofa building or on a vehicle, comprising a frame and sunshade means in theform of a screen which, in mounted condition, is movable with respect tothe facade or wall, and spraying means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exterior awnings to be mounted on or in a facade or a wall of a buildingor on a vehicle are generally known per se in the art. Such awnings canessentially be subdivided into the so-called dome awnings, whosesunshade means take the shape of a domed covering in use, awnings of theextension arm or retractable type, which comprise a canvas or a screenwhich extends in a substantially flat orientation with respect to thefacade or wall on which the awning is mounted, and foldable or slidableawnings. Not only the distance over which the canvas or the screenextends from the wall, but also the angle at which the canvas or thescreen is oriented with respect to the wall can be varied in some typesof awnings.

Awnings are generally mounted above a window, a sliding patio door orthe like in a facade or a wall of a building or on a vehicle so as tokeep out direct sunlight as much as possible. In particular in the caseof retractable awnings that stretch out relatively far and dome awnings,the temperature of the air under the sunshade means can reach unpleasantlevels, because heated air remains trapped under the awning, inparticular when there is hardly any wind or no wind at all. As a result,staying under such an awning may not be very pleasant, for example ondays with a lot of sunshine.

This is disadvantageous in particular in the case of cateringestablishments, which have created an outdoor cafe with seating underthe awning, where people can consume food products or beverages in theshade. The same drawback applies also to patios of private houses orother places screened by such an awning.

In addition to a temperature increase of the air, dust particles, pollenand other particles suspended in the air may accumulate under theawning, not least insects and the like. For people who suffer from hayfever, for example, staying under an awning may be far from pleasant insuch a situation.

German utility model application DE 299 13 873 discloses an awning ofthe type mentioned in the preamble, wherein beneath the canvas or screendispensers are mounted, inter alia comprising liquid for moisturing theair in the space under the canvas or screen. The dispensers in the formof containers of limited volume, are visible from the space beneath thescreen or canvas and need to be separately mounted to the frame of theawning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the invention to improve the prior art awningsuch that staying under the awning is made pleasant, also on days with alot of sunshine and high temperatures, and improving the use andmounting of such an awning.

In order to accomplish that object, the invention provides an awningwherein the spraying means comprise a spraying installation integratedwith the frame, for dispersing a spray from the frame.

Although spraying or misting installations for cooling purposes areknown per se in practice, the invention is based on the perception thatintegrating such a spraying or misting installation in the frame of anawning yields significant advantages.

In the first place, the awning according to the invention obviates theneed to install separate dispensers, modules, containers or pipesprovided with nozzles on the frame and/or the facade or the wall fordispersing the spray. In this way a significant reduction of the totalinstallation costs for the awning and the spraying installationaccording to the invention is directly realised, because both the awningand the spraying installation can be installed at the same time in oneoperation.

In the second place, the whole can be given a desired aestheticappearance or a desired shape and be adapted to specific standardiseddimensions of windows, patios, etc., if desired.

In an embodiment of the awning according to the invention, the sprayinginstallation comprises at least one nozzle mounted in at least one partof the frame for dispersing the spray mainly under the screen of theawning. Nozzles suitable for this purpose are known per se in practiceand require no further explanation.

In another embodiment of the awning according to the invention, in whichthe frame comprises an elongated first part to be mounted on the facadeor wall, a number of nozzles are disposed in the first part of theframe, spaced along the length thereof. In this way a homogenous spraycan be realised over the entire length of the sunshade means, whilst arelatively small force per nozzle for dispersing the spray suffices forobtaining the desired cooling effect, so that people will not experienceany discomfort from spray being jetted out with too much force.

In another embodiment of the awning according to the invention, in whichthe frame comprises an elongated first part to be mounted on the facadeor wall and a movable second part to which the screen is attached, whichsecond part of the frame is connected to the first part of the frame bymeans of pivot arms, a number of nozzles are disposed in the second partof the frame, spaced along the length thereof.

The nozzles disposed in the second part of the frame make it possible tohave the spraying take place at points spaced from the facade or wall onwhich or in which the awning is mounted, without having to install postsor masts for attaching pipes fitted with nozzles thereto, as is the casewith a spraying installation to be installed as a separate unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the awning according to the invention, inwhich one or more nozzles are disposed in the pivot arms, a homogeneousspraying effect and a resulting cooling effect can be obtained oversubstantially the entire space under the screen.

By integrating the spraying installation not only in the part of theframe that is to be fixedly mounted but also in the movable part or inthe pivot arms thereof, an effective cooling action can be effectedunder the screen or the canvas of the sunshade means according to theinvention in an efficient manner, without having to install separatenozzles or separate pipes, whilst retaining an aesthetic appearance ofthe awning.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the nozzles areadjustably disposed for dispersing the spray in a desired direction. Ina simplified embodiment, the nozzles are manually adjustable, and in amore advanced embodiment of the awning according to the invention, theone nozzle or all nozzles are disposed in the parts of the frame or thepivot arms in such a manner as to be adjustable by remote control.

In another preferred embodiment of the awning according to theinvention, the one nozzle or all nozzles are capable for making asweeping or oscillating movement for automatically dispersing the spraywhile sweeping. It will be understood that in this way an even betterdispersion of the spray all over the space under the screen and thespace directly adjacent thereto is effected.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, impeller means are providedfor fanning out a spray dispersed by the spraying installation so as toeffect an optimum dispersion of the spray under the awning. Theseimpeller means may comprise one or more fans mounted on or in the frame.

In an embodiment of the awning, in which the frame comprises a firstpart to be fixedly mounted and a second movable part, the fans may beprovided on or in the first part as well as on and in the second partand on and in the support means via which the movable part is connectedto the fixed first part of the frame.

In an embodiment of the invention, the impeller means are mounted sothat they are located upstream of the nozzles, seen in the dispersiondirection of the spray, and in yet another embodiment of the inventionthe impeller means are mounted so that they are located downstream ofthe nozzles, seen in the dispersion direction of the spray. Theimpelling direction of the impeller means, i.e. the direction in whichair is fanned out by the impeller means, is preferably a directionperpendicular to the direction in which the spray is dispersed. It isalso possible, however, to direct the impellers transversely orsubstantially transversely to the direction in which the spray isdispersed, or to combine the directions and/or to use sweeping impellermeans.

In addition to providing an improved cooling effect by realising an evenbetter dispersion of the spray in the space under the awning, asdescribed in the foregoing, the impeller means also stir the air underthe screen or canvas, thus realising a better through-flow of the air.The risk of accumulations of dust particles, pollen and other impuritiesin the air and insects is thus effectively reduced.

The frame of the awning is provided with a pipe extending within theframe for supplying a liquid to be sprayed to a nozzle mounted in thewall of the pipe for dispersing the liquid in the form of a spray fromthe interior of the pipe via the at least one nozzle. The pipe isarranged for being connected to a module for supplying the liquid to besprayed to the nozzle under pressure.

Preferably, water is used as the liquid, so that it will be advantageousif the pipe is made of copper, stainless steel, aluminium or plasticmaterial in order to prevent contamination of the water and leakage dueto corrosion or the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, pipes in parts of the frame that aremovable with respect to each other, such as the first frame part to befixedly mounted and the second movable frame part, are connected in afluid-tight manner by means of flexible pipes or hoses for the purposeof forming a closed circulation system into which the liquid to besprayed is to be introduced.

It is noted that the frame parts themselves may also be fluid-tight,comprising channels formed therein and nozzles mounted in the respectiveframe parts, which terminate in the channels, for supplying the liquidto be sprayed to the nozzles via the channels.

To supply a liquid to be sprayed to the spraying installation of theawning according to the invention, the invention provides a module to beseparately mounted and connecting means for connecting the module to thespraying installation of the awning, wherein the module comprises a pumpand means for connecting the module to a liquid supply source forsupplying a liquid from the liquid supply source to the sprayinginstallation under pressure for dispersing the liquid in the form of aspray.

Such a module preferably comprises means for cooling and/or heating theliquid to be supplied to the spraying installation. This makes itpossible to use the awning not only on hot days but also during colderperiods for providing a certain degree of heating under the screen ofthe awning by heating the liquid to be sprayed.

The use of heating means is furthermore advisable in order to preventcontamination of the spraying installation of the awning withlegionella, which is achieved by heating the liquid to about 50-70° C.and spraying the liquid for some time. This can be done during thenight, for example, without any hazard for persons or animals presentunder the screen or canvas. For additional safety, the nozzles may beset to spray in the same direction in that case.

In particular in the case of commercial applications, for example atoutdoor cafés and the like, it may be advantageous to add an aromaticsubstance and/or a colorant to the liquid of the spraying installation.Furthermore, disinfectants and/or insecticides against mosquitoes, fliesand the like may be added to the liquid. Consequently, the inventionfurther provides a module comprising means for adding such substances oragents to the liquid to be sprayed.

Although a tap for supplying the liquid to be sprayed is frequentlyavailable, the invention provides an embodiment wherein the liquidsupply source of the module comprises a refillable liquid reservoir forsupplying liquid to the spraying installation from this reservoir. Inthis way it is possible to use the awning according to the invention atpractically any location, without being dependent on a water supplysource.

In yet another embodiment, the module is provided with its ownelectrical power source, such as a battery and/or solar cells or thelike for energizing inter alia the pump for spraying the liquid. In thecase of an electrically operated awning it is also possible to energisethe motor for operating the awning from the module. This embodiment ofthe invention makes it possible to realise a completely stand-aloneoperation of the awning according to the invention.

According to the invention, the module may be provided with adjustingmeans for adjusting the pressure with which the spray is dispersed bythe spraying installation. The module may furthermore be arranged forsupplying the liquid to the spraying installation in a pulsating manner.All this is done in order to achieve an optimum effect while minimallyinterfering with the way a person present under the awning according tothe invention perceives his environment.

The invention further provides a spraying installation arranged for usein an awning as described in the foregoing, in particular as a unit for“upgrading” an existing awning to an awning comprising an integratedspraying installation.

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter on the basisof preferred embodiments thereof, without being limited to suchembodiments, however. In the figures, like numerals refer to identicalor functionally identical parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of anawning according to the invention of the extension arm or retractabletype.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are larger-scale sectional views along the lines II-II,III-III and IV-IV, respectively, in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of another preferred embodimentof an awning according to the invention of the extension arm orretractable type, which is provided with impeller means.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are larger-scale sectional views along the lines VI-VI,VII-VII and VIII-VIII, respectively, in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a schematic, perspective view of a part of an awning of theextension arm or retractable type according to the invention, which isconnected to a module for supplying liquid to be sprayed.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are larger-scale sectional views along the lines X-X andXI-XI, respectively, in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are schematic, perspective views of afoldable or slidable awning according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The awning according to the invention that is shown in FIG. 1 is of theso-called extension arm or retractable type suitable for being mountedon or in the outer wall of a building. The awning, which is indicated asa whole at 1, comprises an elongated frame having a first frame part 2,from which sunshade means 3 in the form of an opaque screen or canvascan stretch out some distance with respect to the first frame part 2.

The sunshade means 3 in the form of a screen or canvas is wound on aso-called roller tube 4, which is connected to the first frame part 2.Attached to the outwardly projecting end of the sunshade means 3 is amovable second frame part 5 in the form of a so-called end beam or endtube. The second frame part 5 is supported by pivot arms 6 connected tothe first frame part 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot arms 6 are shown to extendbelow the sunshade means 3, seen in the plane of the drawing. It is alsoconceivable, however, to mount the pivot arms 6 above the sunshade means3, seen in the plane of the drawing.

The awning 1 may be manually or electrically operated, in which lattercase an electric driving motor (not shown) may be accommodated in theroller tube 4, by means of which the sunshade means 3 in the form of thecanvas or a screen can be wound on the roller tube 4 or be unwoundtherefrom. Depending on the construction, also the angle at which thesunshade means 3 are oriented with respect to a facade or a wall of abuilding can be varied.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, nozzles 7 aremounted in the first frame part 2, the second frame part 5 and the pivotarms 6, from which nozzles a moisture spray or mist 8 can be dispersedunder the sunshade means 3.

Although this preferred embodiment is shown to comprise several nozzles7 spaced along the length of the first frame part 2, the second framepart 5 and the pivot arms 6, it will be understood that only one nozzleor a few nozzles may suffice, for example only in the first frame part2, only in the second frame part 5 or only in the pivot arms 6.

In the situation in which the pivot arms 6 are located above thesunshade means 3, seen in the plane of the drawing, the spray deliveredby the pivot arms 6 functions to moisturise and thus cool the sunshademeans 3. It will be understood that according to the invention thenozzles 7 in, for example, the second frame part 5 may also be mountedso that they moisturise the sunshade means 3 on the upper side, seen inthe plane of the drawing, for cooling the sunshade means 3.

FIG. 1 furthermore clearly shows that the pivot arms 6 are connected tothe first frame part 2 and the second frame part 5 by means of flexiblepipes or hoses 9 and 10, respectively, whilst a flexible pipe or hose 11is also provided between the halves of the pivot arms 6.

The flexible hoses 9, 10, 11 are connected in a fluid-tight manner topipes or tubes 12, 13, 14 and 15 extending in the first frame part 2,the pivot arms 6 and the second frame part 5, respectively. Mounted inthe pipes or tubes 12, 13, 14, 15 are the nozzles 7 for producing thespray 8.

For a better understanding of the way in which the nozzles 7 and thepipes or tubes 12, 13, 14, 15 are mounted in the respective frame parts2, 5 and the pivot arms 6, reference is made to the sectional drawingsof FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the first frame part 2 along the lineII-II in FIG. 1. According to the invention, a cavity 16 extending inthe longitudinal direction of the first frame part 2 from the outer sidethereof is formed in the first frame part 2, in which cavity the pipe 12is accommodated.

Similarly, a cavity 17 extending in the longitudinal direction of thesecond frame part 5 from the outer side thereof is formed in the secondframe part 5, in which cavity the pipe 13 extends, as is shown in FIG.4, which is a sectional view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line III-III in FIG. 2 of an armhalf of the pivot arms 6. This figure, too, shows that an opening 18which is accessible from the outer side is formed in the longitudinaldirection in the arm half in question, in which opening the pipe 14, 15is accommodated.

As FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 clearly shown, the nozzles 7 are mounted in the wallof the respective pipes or tubes 12, 13, 14 and 15, for example by meansof a fluid-tight screw thread, in such a manner that a liquid can besupplied to a nozzle 7 under pressure from a pipe or tube 12, 13, 14,15. The nozzles in question are also referred to as “spraying nozzles”or “misting nozzles”.

The pipes 12, 13, 14 and 15 and the flexible hoses 9, 10 and 11 form aclosed, fluid-tight circulation system which extends from an inlet 18which, seen in the drawing, is located to the left of the first framepart 2, via a pivot arm 6, the second frame part 5 and back to the firstframe part 2 again via another pivot arm 6. In this way liquid can bepumped to the various nozzles 7 under pressure from the inlet 18, whichliquid can subsequently be dispersed in the form of a spray 8 by thenozzles 7 in the space under the sunshade means 3.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipes or tubes 12, 13,14, 15 in question are mounted for rotation about their longitudinalaxis in the respective cavities 16, 17, 18 of the frame parts, so thatthese pipes 12, 13, 14, 15 can be manually or automatically rotated viasuitable electrically or mechanically operated drive means for adjustingthe spraying direction of a nozzle 7. The electrical operation may beremotely controlled via suitable remote control means (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive means of one ormore of the pipes 12, 13, 14 and 15 are so arranged that the nozzles 7are continuously swept between a first and a second extreme position inuse, as is schematically indicated by the arrows 19 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

Nozzles for use in the awning according to the invention are known perse in the art and need not be further explained to those skilled in theart. The pipes or tubes 12, 13, 14, 15 are preferably made of copper,stainless steel, aluminium or plastic material, such that there is nodanger to public health caused by the migration of material particlesfrom a pipe into the liquid to be sprayed.

The cavities 16, 17 and 18 can be formed in the frame parts 2, 5 and thepivot arms 6, respectively, by extrusion. The pipes 12, 13, 14 and 15can in that case be inserted into the cavities 16, 17, 18 in thelongitudinal direction of the respective frame parts or arm parts inquestion. The cavities 16, 17, 18 are so dimensioned that the pipes ortubes 12, 13, 14, 15 inserted therein cannot be moved in a directiontransversely to the pipe. In this way a simple but effective integrationof the spraying installation in the awning is achieved, in which theaesthetic appearance of the awning is retained without the sprayinginstallation being found objectionable because of the presence ofseparate, freely suspended nozzles or the like. The hoses 9, 10, and 11can be kept comparatively short, so that they will not be experienced asaesthetically objectionable.

Mechanical and/or electric driving means for rotating the pipes or tubes12, 13, 14, 15 are known per se to those skilled in the art and requireno further explanation herein.

It will be understood that the normal operation of the awning 1 will byno means be limited by the integration of the spraying installationtherein as proposed by the invention, and that the sprayinginstallation, when activated, provides a cooling effect to the personspresent in the space under the sunshade means 3.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the awning 1 similar to the embodimentdescribed above and shown in FIGS. 1-5. In addition to the embodiment asdiscussed in the foregoing, the embodiment of the awning 20 that isshown in FIG. 5 comprises impeller means 21 mounted to one or more ofthe first frame part 2, the second frame part 5 and the pivot arms 6.

The impeller means may be configured as comparatively small and lightfans, which may be disposed either upstream or downstream of the spray 8produced by the nozzles 7.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are sectional views along the lines VI-VI, VII-VII andVIII-VIII, respectively, in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 6 the impeller means 21 are clearly shown to be mounteddownstream of the nozzles 7, whilst in FIGS. 7 and 8 the impeller meansare disposed upstream of the nozzles 7. Suitable means of attachment 22,23 and 24 are provided for attaching the impeller means 21 externally toa respective frame part or a pivot arm part, as is shown in sectionalview in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. This need not be further explained to thoseskilled in the art.

Although not explicitly shown, it will be understood that the impellermeans 21, for example in the form of built-in fans, may also be builtinto the first and/or the second frame part 2, 5 and/or the pivot arms6, so that they will not project from the frame, which is generallypreferred for aesthetic reasons.

In FIG. 5 the impeller means 21 are all shown to blow in the dispersiondirection of the spray 8. It is also possible, however, to mount one ormore of the impeller means 21 in the direction transversely to thedispersion direction of the sprays 8 (not shown), thereby effecting anefficient dispersion of the spray under the sunshade means 3.

The air swirls caused by the impeller means 21 also carry off theparticles, pollen and other impurities that have accumulated under thesunshade means 3. Furthermore, insects and the like dislike air swirls,so that the impeller means 21 are also effective in keeping insects awayfrom the space under the sunshade means 3.

The impeller means 21 may be electrically connected, in a manner whichis known per se, to an electric motor drive of the roller tube 4, forexample, or by a separate electrical power connection (not shown).

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of an awning 30 according to the inventionmounted on an outer wall 29 of a building, in which the inlet 18 isconnected to a module 26 via a pipe 25 for supplying liquid to besprayed to the awning under pressure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the module 26 is provided with a liquidsupply line 27 for connection to a tap 28 or the like and with anelectrically driven pump (not shown), which is known per se, for pumpingthe liquid to be sprayed from the liquid supply line to the awning 30under pressure.

Instead of being provided with the liquid supply line 27 for connectionto a tap 28, or in addition thereto, the module 26 may comprise arefillable liquid reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir to theawning. Preferably, water is used as the liquid to be sprayed, to whichan aromatic substance and/or a colorant may be added, if desired, toobtain special fragrance and/or colour effects. It is also possible, forexample to add a disinfectant or an insecticide or the like to theliquid. The module 26 is to that end provided with suitable dosagingmeans and supply means (not shown).

A special effect is obtained in that case if the nozzles disperse acoloured spray and the awning 1 is provided with lighting, as isillustrated in broken lines 35 in the sectional view of FIG. 10 alongthe line X-X in the fixed first frame part 31 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 shows asectional view along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9 of the movable secondframe part 32 with a spraying installation according to the inventionintegrated therein.

By furthermore providing the module 26 with its own power source, forexample in the form of a battery or one or more solar cells, which maybe mounted on the module but for example also on the frame of theawning, the awning according to the invention can be installed as acompletely detached unit. It is also possible to energise an electricoperator for the roller tube 34 of the awning from the module 26, andalso the impeller means 21, insofar as such impeller means are provided.The impeller means may be advantageously integrated in the frame parts31 and 32 (not shown) in the embodiment of the awning 30.

It will be understood that the awning provided with an integratedspraying installation according to the invention can be installed in asimple, quick and easy manner, with the awning and the sprayinginstallation being mounted in one operation, this in contrast tomounting the awning and the spraying installation as separate units. Inthe latter case an aesthetic effect cannot be obtained, especially ifpipes, posts and masts must be installed for producing a spray at apoint spaced from the facade or wall 29 on which the module 26 ismounted.

The module 26 may furthermore be provided with adjusting means (notshown) for adjusting the pressure with which the spray is dispersed bythe spraying installation, this in order to prevent injury or anunpleasant sensation being caused by the spray flow. If necessary, themodule 26 may be arranged for supplying liquid to the sprayinginstallation in a pulsating manner, making it possible to effect ahighly fascinating spectacle, for example to the rhythm of music or thelike, especially when a coloured liquid is used.

The spraying installation, in the form of pipes or tubes 12, 13, 14, 15with the nozzles 7 mounted therein and the flexible connecting hoses 9,10, 11, and the module 26 provided with the connecting means 25 and 27may be marketed as separate, individual units to be integrated in anexisting awning. It is preferred, however, to use an awning in which therespective frame parts 2, 5, 6, 31, 32, 33 are configured or extruded insuch a manner that the spraying installation, and the impeller means, ifnecessary, are integrated therein. The embodiment thus obtained is notonly of compact construction but also aesthetically sound.

In a practical embodiment of the spraying installation, a spray or finemist with a droplet size of about 5 micron or less can be produced bymeans of a pressure of about 70 bar. Such a size makes it possible toobtain an effective evaporation of the liquid to be sprayed, and thus adesired cooling effect, because the heat used for evaporating the liquidis extracted from the air under the sunshade means 3.

In a practical embodiment of the awning according to the invention, thenozzles 7 are arranged at intervals of 50-75 cm in the longitudinaldirection of a frame part. In practice, awnings having a length of about2-15 m and a maximum span width or extension of 2.5-3 m can be used, bymeans of which a relatively large space under the sunshade means 3 canbe cooled.

To obtain an optimum cooling effect, the module 26 may be provided witha separate cooling device or cooling means (not shown). According to theinvention the module 26 may also be provided with a heating device orheating means for heating the liquid to be sprayed. The heating meansare in particular arranged for heating the liquid to a temperature of50-75° C. in order to prevent legionella contamination, which can bedone by operating the spraying installation with liquid of such a hightemperature from time to time.

It is furthermore advisable within the framework to keep the pump in themodule running when the spraying installation is turned off until nospray is being dispersed any more.

It will be understood that the awning as discussed in the foregoing isnot limited to an awning of the extension arm or retractable type, butthat also a dome awning or the like can be provided with an integratedspraying installation according to the invention.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a foldable or slidable awning accordingto the present invention, which is indicated as a whole by referencenumeral 40.

The awning 40 comprises a frame having vertical support posts 42 andguide rails 41 which, at one end connect to a support post 42 and at another opposite end connect to an outer wall 49 of a building or thelike.

The frame comprises further elongated crossbars or transverse members 43which at each end are transverse to and slidably supported by a guiderail 41. Between adjacent crossbars 43 lines 3 of sunshade means extendin longitudinal direction of the crossbars 43, such as a screen, fabricor canvas.

The crossbars 43 and the lines 3 of sunshade means, in use, extend fromthe wall 49 of the building, such as disclosed in FIG. 12. In theretracted state, the crossbars 43 and the lines 3 of sunshade means aregathered at an end of the guide rails 41, preferably near the wall 49 ofthe building.

In accordance with the invention, nozzles 7 are mounted in the crossbars43, for spraying liquid 8 in the space beneath the sunshade means 3. Inorder to feed liquid to the nozzles 7, the crossbars 43 may comprise ahollow compartment along their length or the nozzles 8 connect by asuitable piping or hose mounted in the crossbars 43. At an end thecrossbars 43 connect by flexible hoses 44 and an inlet hose 45 forfeeding liquid to the nozzles 7.

FIG. 13 shows a detail of the foldable or slidable awning 40 accordingto FIG. 12, showing guide rollers 48 by which the crossbars 43 may slidein longitudinal direction of a U-shaped guide rail 41. A flexible hose44 connects by connection means 46, 47 to a crossbar 43.

FIG. 14 shows the awning 40 in its retracted state, wherein thecrossbars 43 are gathered near the outer wall 49 of the building andwherein the lines 3 of sunshade means are folded, like each hose 44.

FIG. 15 shows on an enlarged scale, two adjacent crossbars 43 in theretracted position of the awning 40. From this enlarged detail of FIG.14, it can be seen that the hose connections 46, 47 are staggeredlyarranged in lengthwise direction of the crossbars 43, that is the hoseconnections 46 extend further from the crossbar 43 than the hoseconnection 47, such that the crossbars 43, in the retracted state of theawning, can be located close next to each other.

FIG. 16 shows an other embodiment of a foldable or slidable awning 50,wherein the guide rails 41 of the awning 40 of FIGS. 12-15 are replacedby a support cable 51 along which the crossbars 43 are slidablysupported by eye hooks 53. A cover strip 52, which in use is mounted tothe wall 49 of a building, may extend above the awning, seen in theplane of the drawing, in order to protect the retracted crossbars 43 andlines 3 of sunshade means in their retracted position, from rain, snowand dust.

Although not explicitly shown in FIGS. 12-16, impeller means 21 may beprovided with the crossbars 43 for further dispersion of spray or mist 8of the nozzles 7.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to theembodiments as shown and described herein, but that severalmodifications and additions can be made by a person skilled in the artwithout departing from the inventive concept. All these modificationsand embodiments are considered to be incorporated in the appendedclaims.

1. An awning of a type that is to be mounted on a wall comprising aframe and sunshade means formed as a screen which, in mounted condition,is movable with respect to said wall and spraying means, wherein saidspraying means comprise a spraying installation integrated with saidframe, for dispersing a spray from said frame.
 2. An awning according toclaim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises at least onenozzle disposed in at least one part of said frame for dispersing saidspray mainly under said screen.
 3. An awning according to claim 1,wherein said frame comprises an elongated first part to be mounted onsaid wall, and wherein a plurality of nozzles is disposed in said firstpart of said frame, spaced along a length of said first part.
 4. Anawning according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises an elongatedfirst part to be mounted on said wall and a movable second part to whichsaid screen is attached, which second part of said frame is connected tosaid first part of said frame by means of pivot arms, and wherein aplurality of nozzles is disposed in said second part of said frame,spaced along a length of said second part.
 5. An awning according toclaim 1 wherein said frame comprises an elongated first part to bemounted on said wall and a movable second part to which said screen isattached, which second part of said frame is connected to said firstpart of said frame by means of pivot arms, and wherein a plurality ofnozzles is disposed in said pivot arms.
 6. An awning according to claim1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of elongated slidablyparallel mounted crossbars connected by foldable lines of sunshademeans, wherein a plurality of nozzles is disposed in a plurality of saidcrossbars, spaced along a length of a crossbar.
 7. An awning accordingto claim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises at least onenozzle adjustably disposed in at least one part of said frame fordispersing said spray in a desired direction.
 8. An awning according toclaim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises at least onenozzle adjustably disposed in at least one part of said frame, whereinsaid at least one nozzle is manually adjustable.
 9. An awning accordingto claim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises at least onenozzle adjustably disposed in at least one part of said frame, whereinsaid at least one nozzle is adjustable by remote control.
 10. An awningaccording to claim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises atleast one nozzle adjustably disposed in at least one part of said frame,wherein said at least one nozzle is arranged for a sweeping movement fordispersing said spray while sweeping.
 11. An awning according to claim1, further comprising impeller means for fanning out a spray dispersedby said spraying installation.
 12. An awning according to claim 1,further comprising impeller means for fanning out a spray dispersed bysaid spraying installation, wherein said impeller means comprise one ormore fans mounted on or in said frame.
 13. An awning according to claim1, further comprising impeller means for fanning out a spray dispersedby said spraying installation, wherein said impeller means are disposedupstream of said spray dispersed by said spraying installation.
 14. Anawning according to claim 1, further comprising impeller means forfanning out a spray dispersed by said spraying installation, whereinsaid impeller means are disposed downstream of said spray dispersed bysaid spraying installation.
 15. An awning according to claim 1, furthercomprising impeller means for fanning out a spray dispersed by saidspraying installation, wherein said impeller means are disposed foroperation in a dispersion direction of said spray.
 16. An awningaccording to claim 1, further comprising impeller means for fanning outa spray dispersed by said spraying installation, wherein said impellermeans are disposed for operation in a direction transversely to adispersion direction of said spray.
 17. An awning according to claim 1,wherein said spraying installation comprises at least one nozzledisposed in at least one part of said frame, wherein said at least onenozzle is mounted in a wall of a pipe extending within said part of saidframe for dispersing a spray from said pipe via said at least onenozzle, wherein said pipe is arranged for connecting to a module forsupplying liquid to be sprayed to said nozzle.
 18. An awning accordingto claim 1, wherein said spraying installation comprises a plurality ofnozzles disposed in parts of said frame, wherein said nozzles aremounted in a wall of at least one pipe extending within at least onepart of said frame for dispersing a spray from a pipe via a nozzle,wherein pipes in parts of said frame that are movable with respect toeach other are connected in a fluid-tight manner by means of flexiblepipes for forming a closed circulation system into which liquid to besprayed is to be introduced.
 19. An awning of a type that is to bemounted on a wall comprising a frame and sunshade means formed as ascreen which, in mounted condition, is movable with respect to said walland spraying means, wherein said spraying means comprise a sprayinginstallation integrated with said frame, for dispersing a liquid sprayfrom said frame, further comprising a module and connecting means forconnecting said module to said spraying installation of said awning,wherein said module comprises a pump and means for connecting saidmodule to a liquid supply source for supplying liquid from said liquidsupply source to said spraying installation under pressure.
 20. Anawning according to claim 19, wherein said module comprises means forcooling said liquid to be supplied to said spraying installation.
 21. Anawning according to claim 19, wherein said module comprises means forheating said liquid to be supplied to said spraying installation.
 22. Anawning according to claim 19, wherein said module comprises means foradding at least one of an aromatic substance, a colorant, a disinfectantand an insecticide to said liquid to be supplied to said sprayinginstallation.
 23. An awning according to claim 19, wherein said liquidsupply source of said module comprises a refillable liquid reservoir forsupplying liquid to said spraying installation from said reservoir. 24.An awning according to claim 19, wherein said module is provided withadjusting means for controlling pressure with which said spray isdispersed by said spraying installation.
 25. An awning according toclaim 19, wherein said module is arranged for supplying said liquid tosaid spraying installation in a pulsating manner.